Montana Hay Market Report

BILLINGS - Dec 8/06 - SNS -- Montana weekly hay and straw market update including alfalfa, timothy and straw, was released by the USDA.

Weekly Montana Hay Report
Compared to last week:  Sales remain steady.  Demand remains real good.
Much warmers temps were seen across the state this week and are forecasted
to remain mild for the weekend and start of next week.  All sales FOB the
stack and per ton basis in large rounds or large square bales, unless otherwise
stated.
   Alfalfa:  Premium small squares 120.00-125.00, large squares 100.00.  Good
small squares 90.00-100.00.  Good large rounds and squares 65.00-75.00.  Fair to
Good 60.00-65.00.  Utility large squares and rounds 50.00-55.00.  Alfalfa/grass
mix in small squares Premium 120.00-125.00; Good to Premium 75.00-85.00.  Good
large squares and rounds 70.00-75.00.
   Grass:  Good to Premium small squares 2.50-3.00 per bale.  Good in large
squares 70.00.
   Timothy:  Premium pure Timothy small squares 140.00-150.00.  Timothy mixed
grass hay premium small squares 135.00.
   Straw:  Large squares and rounds 25.00-30.00, small squares 35.00.
Alfalfa hay test guidelines, used with visual appearance and intent of
sale.  Quantitative factors are approximate and many factors can
affect feeding value.
            ADF     NDF      RFV    TDN-100%    TDN-90%     CP-100%
Supreme     <27     <34     >185      >62       >55.9       >22
Premium    27-29   34-36   170-185   60.5-62   54.5-55.9   20-22
Good       29-32   36-40   150-170    58-60    52.5-54.5   18-20
Fair       32-35   40-44   130-150    56-58    50.5-52.5   16-18
Utility     >35     >44     <130      <56       <50.5       <16
   RFV calculated using the Wis/Minn formula.  TDN calculated using the western
formula.  Values based on 100% dry matter, TDN both 90% & 100%.
Grass Hay guidelines
Quality		Crude Protein Percent
Premium		Over 13
Good 		   9-13
Fair		   5- 9
Utility		Under 5
Quantitative factors are approximate, and many factors can affect feeding value.
Values based on 100% dry matter.  End usage may influence hay price or value
more than testing results.
Source: USDA Market News Service, Billings Mt

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STAT News Service